'Batting average 0.095' Kim Ha-seong sits out two consecutive games: "I will train hard → As an excellent player, his true value will soon emerge" Commander retains firm trust

*This content was translated by AI.

Atlanta Braves' Kim Ha-seong (31) was once again excluded from the starting lineup, sitting out two consecutive games. Amid a severe hitting slump following his return from injury, Atlanta manager Walt Weiss (63) gave Kim Ha-seong time to cool off, expressing unwavering trust.

Kim Ha-seong failed to appear in the road game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio, on the 30th (Korean time). This marks his second consecutive game out, following his absence from the Boston Red Sox game on the 29th. The team won 8-3.

On this day, Jorge Mateo took over the starting shortstop position for Atlanta, going 1-for-4 with 2 runs, 2 RBIs, and 1 stolen base, earning praise from Manager Weiss. According to MLB.com, the official website of Major League Baseball, Weiss praised Mateo before the game, stating, "Mateo is a very talented player. Even when he doesn't play, he always prepares mentally and physically well."

On the Major League stage, where performance and value must be proven thoroughly, Kim Ha-seong, with an annual salary of $20 million (approximately 30.1 billion won), was relegated to the bench, a situation reflected in his current performance. After returning from injury, Kim has struggled with severe hitting in 12 games, recording 4 hits in 42 at-bats for a .095 batting average and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 0.286. He has also committed three defensive errors, showing struggles on both offense and defense.

The background to this slump includes a series of injury setbacks. After overcoming the aftermath of past shoulder surgery, he signed a one-year contract with Atlanta ahead of this season, vowing a fresh start. However, in January, he suffered bad luck slipping on an icy road in Korea. This accident caused a rupture in the tendon of his right middle finger, leading to surgery and causing him to miss the entire spring training camp before making his belated season debut on the 13th. It was a situation where his game readiness inevitably declined.

Although his position within the team could be shaken, Manager Weiss's trust remains firm. Weiss shared his own experiences from his playing days to comfort Kim Ha-seong. He said, "It is truly difficult to join mid-season. I also have the experience of taking an entire season off during my playing days and returning in June, so I understand Kim Ha-seong's feelings better than anyone."

Furthermore, Manager Weiss outlined his plan to give Kim Ha-seong sufficient time to bounce back. He stated, "Kim Ha-seong is currently training hard in the batting cage to address a few points for improvement. I plan to adjust the pace so he can calm his mind for a day or two and focus solely on training." He added, "He is a truly good player who must play a major role for our team in the future. His true value will soon be proven again," expressing full support.

It remains to be seen whether Kim Ha-seong, who is going through a difficult period due to post-injury complications, can regain his true form as a 'Gold Glove shortstop' under the solid trust of his commander.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.